Solved CPU/Ram question from a Non Gamer.

Hi, I have recently aquired a Dell 380 sff and have been reading up on it. It appears that the ram could/is slowing down the CPU, CPU fsb 1333 and the ram is 1066. If that is the case would I notice any uplift in speed by installing ram 12800? ( having said that I find it quite quick as it is ).I can buy 4 gb of 12800 ram for under £20.00. There is also a fair bit of confusion re ram voltage, some say 1.5 and others say it must be 1.35, the installed ram is 1.5.I am fully aware that it is an old machine but for surfing the web and streaming it is perfect so I really don't mind spending money on it. I appreciate that an SSD would be the better option but I have no need of that.

Thanks for the reply. However, it doesn't answer my question.As I said I have read up on the 380 and from what I got from reading is total confusion, nobody agrees with anybody.I was hoping that someone with experience of this particular comp would be forth coming with an appropriate answer.Crucial state 12800 ram yet elsewhere others have used even faster ram.Added: After reading what I have just written I realise I am chasing my own tail, so to speak. again thanks for the reply,

If you use frequencies rather than the bogus FSB & DDR ratings, it should make more sense. For most Intel based systems (other than P4 & the Core i-series), there are two CPU:RAM frequency ratios that are considered optimal...1:1 or 1:2. Here's what you currently have:

1333MHz FSB = 333MHz frequency1066MHz DDR = 533MHz frequency

Your ratio is 333:533 which is 5:8. To get to 1:1, you'd have to reduce the RAM frequency to 333MHz (667MHz DDR). To get to 1:2 ratio, you'd have to increase the RAM frequency to 667MHz (1333MHz DDR).

Personally, I wouldn't waste any money on RAM. If anything, invest in a graphics card & tweak the OS for best performance.

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